TUSCALOOSA CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 7: Retired state trooper, pro football player 2nd to challenge seat

By Jason MortonStaff Writer

Published: Saturday, July 6, 2013 at 3:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, July 5, 2013 at 11:46 p.m.

TUSCALOOSA | A second challenger to Councilman William Tinker has announced his bid for the Tuscaloosa City Council’s District 7 seat.

Facts

Albert G. “Big Al” Stinson Jr.

Birthdate: Jan. 4, 1959Birthplace: TuscaloosaCurrent Address: 5639 21st Ave. E.Education: Graduate of Druid High School (1977); attended Alabama A&M (1977-1979) and Miles College (1979-1981)Occupation: Director, Williams Hall at Stillman CollegeOther employment history: Birmingham Stallions of the United States Football League (1981) and the Carolina Storm/Charlotte Chargers of the American Football Association (1981-1983); Gulf State Paper Corp. (1983-1985); Bryce Hospital (1984-1985); Alabama State Trooper (retired); Van Hoose & Steele Funeral HomePolitical background: First political raceWebsite/email address:alstinson.wix.com/electalstinson; astinson32323@gmail.com

Albert G. “Big Al” Stinson of 21st Avenue East said he is running to try to eliminate what he described as inconsistencies in City Hall’s policies of hiring contractors.

“There are too many jobs minority contractors cannot get, either because they don’t know how or they get passed over,” Stinson, 54, said.

Stinson is a former professional football player who played linebacker in the now-defunct United States Football League and the American Football Association. He is also a retired Alabama State Trooper and a former business owner of two now-shuttered companies, Stinson Security and AGs Lounge in Holt.

Stinson, who is seeking his first elected office, now serves as director of the Williams Hall dormitory at Stillman College, where he has also served as a football and softball coach.

“I am running for the Tuscaloosa City Council seat in District 7 to make sure that each resident’s concern may be addressed and not overlooked ...,” Stinson said in a prepared statement. “People that know me will tell you, ‘If Al tells you something count on it.’ I have no doubt in my mind that I am the best choice for District 7.”

He and his wife, Bettie O. Stinson, have four children and four grandchildren.

Stinson’s candidacy pits him against Tinker, who has served as the District 7 council member for the past two terms, and fellow challenger Sonya McKinstry, 43, who was the first candidate to announce a challenge to an incumbent council member for the 2013 municipal election.

Qualifying began Tuesday and will last until July 16.

The municipal election for the Tuscaloosa City Council and the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education is set for Aug. 27.

<p>TUSCALOOSA | A second challenger to Councilman William Tinker has announced his bid for the Tuscaloosa City Council's District 7 seat.</p><p>Albert G. “Big Al” Stinson of 21st Avenue East said he is running to try to eliminate what he described as inconsistencies in City Hall's policies of hiring contractors.</p><p>“There are too many jobs minority contractors cannot get, either because they don't know how or they get passed over,” Stinson, 54, said.</p><p>Stinson is a former professional football player who played linebacker in the now-defunct United States Football League and the American Football Association. He is also a retired Alabama State Trooper and a former business owner of two now-shuttered companies, Stinson Security and AGs Lounge in Holt.</p><p>Stinson, who is seeking his first elected office, now serves as director of the Williams Hall dormitory at Stillman College, where he has also served as a football and softball coach.</p><p>“I am running for the Tuscaloosa City Council seat in District 7 to make sure that each resident's concern may be addressed and not overlooked ...,” Stinson said in a prepared statement. “People that know me will tell you, 'If Al tells you something count on it.' I have no doubt in my mind that I am the best choice for District 7.”</p><p>He and his wife, Bettie O. Stinson, have four children and four grandchildren.</p><p>Stinson's candidacy pits him against Tinker, who has served as the District 7 council member for the past two terms, and fellow challenger Sonya McKinstry, 43, who was the first candidate to announce a challenge to an incumbent council member for the 2013 municipal election.</p><p>Qualifying began Tuesday and will last until July 16.</p><p>The municipal election for the Tuscaloosa City Council and the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education is set for Aug. 27.</p><p>Reach Jason Morton at jason.morton@tuscaloosanews.com or 205-722-0200.</p>